Speeding in the pitlane

So Valtteri Bottas has topped the timesheets for Williams on the opening day of Formula 1’s young driver test at Silverstone.

But then it was Williams vs Marussia vs HRT, so no real surprises there.

Bottas said: It’s been a busy day completing 120 laps without any problems.

“We had a little rain towards the end but tested everything we wanted to on mixed fuel levels. It’s been a really useful day for both me and the team.

“The shorter runs are good fun, especially on this track, but I was particularly looking forward to the longer runs.

“It was really useful to gather some information on how the tyres behave over the various runs and I feel that I am continuing to improve as a driver.”

Photo Source: Glenn Dunbar/LAT Photographic

Ho-Pin Tung may technically have gotten there first by being a multiple-time reserve driver and testing for Williams, but he was born in the Netherlands. Therefore Ma Qing Hua has become the first Chinese-born driver to take part in an official F1 event by testing for HRT at Silverstone.

He said: “It was a fantastic feeling to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time; it’s not easy to put into words what I felt.

“Yesterday I found it hard to sleep and I tried to calm down by thinking that it was just another test. I think we did a good job and everything went according to plan, with good weather too. By being here during the Grand Prix, I learned a lot from my teammates and also to work as a team, as it is very important to give the right information to the engineers in order to optimize the performance of the car.

“In the morning we did the maximum amount of running to get used to the car, engineers and mechanics and buttons, and also to gain confidence. I’m very proud to represent China and be a pioneer for my nation in this sport.

“I’m confident that these tests and the ones that will come in the future will help motorsport to grow in China in the f! uture and will grant more opportun ities for everyone. This is only a first small step but once more I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me and made this possible”.

He finished last by about 8 seconds.., but that’s not really the point.

Photo Source: HRT

No real surprise that Williams will stick with Valtteri Bottas for the Silverstone Young Drivers’ Test.

He said: “In total I’ve only had four full test days in a Formula One car alongside the FP1 sessions this season, so I really want to get some good mileage in. 

“We have some interesting things to test this week as well as a longer race simulation planned, which, provided the weather stays good, will be a great experience for me. 

“It was wet on Friday at Silverstone so I hope it will stay dry this week as the track is really good fun to drive. I know the Grand Prix Circuit quite well, but the International Circuit will be a new challenge.”

Photo Source: Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic

Friday: “I found the day very boring. There wasn’t much we could do and it was impossible to complete our test programme.”

Saturday: “We made the wrong decision when we went for intermediates instead of rain tyres after the break, but I also had traffic. I was driving behind Daniel Ricciardo and could hardly see anything.”

Sunday: “I am very upset as my weekend has been ruined. I braked later than Pastor Maldonado, he didn’t give me any room at all and just came into me. In my view it was not a racing incident. We all fight very hard, but give each other room.”

Talking to the BBC on Sunday: “Pastor is a driver that doesn’t respect other drivers. It is just a matter of fact, I mean I was already in front and if not he should have given me enough space not to crash but he tried to push me all the way to the outside and I don’t understand the way he is driving. I really hope the Stewards can do something because the last three or four races, he has done something to someone and it is not the first time that has damaged my weekend.He did the same with Lewis in Valencia and they just gave him a drive-through, which I think is not enough and the guy will never learn if they don’t do something.He is dangerous. He is a very dangerous driver and it can hurt someone.

“Everybody has concerns about him. I mean, he is a driver that doesn’t respect. We our risking our lives and he has no respect at all. I think, with the way he is driving, that the Stewards need to do something because this is not the first time. He has affected many drivers, I am not the only one.”

Faces for Charity 2012 

Photo Source: Andrew Hone/Getty Images

A couple of shots from a very wet morning at Silverstone. Photo Source: FOM

Sebastian Bourdais
Silverstone Tyre test 2008 

Photo source: SITP 

Sebastian Bourdais
Silverstone Tyre test 2008 

Photo source: SITP 

Toro Rosso Garage
Silverstone Tyre test 2008 

Photo source: SITP 

Mark Webber
Silverstone Tyre test 2008 

Photo source: SITP